The Church asked to allow Holy Spirit rule

Accra, Dec. 18, GNA - The Church has been asked to eschew emotions and cultural tendencies and to allow the Holy Spirit to direct all their actions to enable it fulfil God's purpose for mankind. They must also seek God's wisdom instead of relying on the counsels of man.

"This is important in order to foster the unity of the church and prevent divisions through such mundane issues such as race, colour and culture to divide the body of Christ".

The Reverend Dr Kenneth Vaughn, Head Pastor of Cookeville Christian Fellowship in the USA stated this in Accra on the second night of the three-day Overcomers Convention 2005 being organised by the Harvest International Ministries. The convention is on the theme: "Working The Works of God," with special emphasis on how Christians can lead fulfilling lives and attain 'Greater Works' in the ministry, at the national level, as well as on the individual level, with total reliance on the Power of God to lead the way.

Rev Vaughn said the Church was only worshipping God in the body and not in the spirit because of emotions and cultural backgrounds, which sometimes found expressions in the mode of worship, music and preaching. While admitting that there was nothing wrong with emotions, Rev Vaughn, however, emphasized that there was a clear distinction between emotions and the presence of the Holy Spirit, saying that, the 'Holy Spirit goes a step higher than emotions'. He said to be able to do greater works and rely on God, the church must shift focus to the teaching of the unadulterated word of God, because very few Christians now know the bible. "Until they are able to get their minds renewed through the word of God, they will continue to bring emotions and their culture to bear on the activities in the church," he said in reference to Romans 12. Rev Vaughn said God demanded of Christian to worship him in truth and spirit, adding that, the two requirements constituted the means for Christians to attain greater works.

The convention that was being attended by members of the church nationwide was aimed at empowering Christians for the coming year. Other programmes lined up for the Convention include Musical Seminar and Pastors' Conference.